What should I do if my upper limbs are edematous after breast cancer surgery?

  Upper limb edema after breast cancer surgery is a complication after radical breast cancer surgery, the incidence is not very high, due to poor venous and lymphatic return in the upper limbs. Some people have thin veins, so they are more likely to have edema after surgery.  After surgery, we should pay attention to exercise: 1. Don’t carry or shoulder heavy things, and try not to do the work that needs the arm muscles to make force. Because when the muscles exert themselves, they need to supply a lot of oxygen to the muscles, which will lead to a large amount of blood flowing into the arm, and then the venous blood and lymphatic fluid must be transported out from the blood-filled arm.  2, usually still should often move the arm, can also do some household chores or appropriate work. When you are free, try to place your arm above your heart, such as using a few pillows to cushion your arm, but be careful to support your whole arm, not just your lower arm. If you need to carry the bag on your shoulder, you should carry it on the shoulder that is not undergoing surgery. Women who experience shoulder pain should avoid carrying the bag on their shoulder. Keep your hands in your jacket pockets as much as possible to relax the muscles in your shoulders and arms. Usually the sleeve holes of clothes should not be too tight, and the straps of bras should not be tight.    3.When wearing rings, bracelets and watches, they should be as loose as possible.  4. To avoid unnecessary wounds, blood tests, injections and infusions should usually be done on the side that has not been operated on. It is best to measure blood pressure on the non-operated side as well. Now, it is still necessary to strengthen the upper limb exercise by massaging from the wrist to the shoulder, and elevate the edematous upper limb with a pillow when sleeping.